An apple a day...

I started pediatrics on Monday. It seemed fitting that today I would read from Matthew where Jesus mentions children several times.

Matthew 18:2-6
"And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them and said, "Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea."

As I see parents sit (or observe their absence) alongside the bed of their ailing children, I observe their habits and mannerisms. I notice that their children tend to do exactly as they do. They copy facial expressions, hand gestures, and words. A child learns to interact with the world by observing those around them. They learn what is acceptable and unacceptable from those that are closest to them during early development.

The old proverb, "The apple doesn't fall far from the tree," is certainly true. Kids are they way they are for a reason. If they are troubled or acting out or doing things we would call immoral, they've been influenced in someway by someone. Someone has hurt them deeply, disappointed them, placed great expectations on them, provoked them, or taught them through their own actions. This "someone" doesn't necessarily mean it was a parent, it could be grandparents, uncles and aunts, big brothers and sisters, older "cool" cousins, teachers, coaches, baby sitters, friends, or friend's parents...

Most of us fall into one of the categories listed above... we all have the potential of leading a child into sin. Woe to us if we should do that. Just like we have a potential to detrimentally effect a child's life, we also have the chance to be a positive influence in a world that is dark and cold and full of sin.

If you love a child or a teenager... cut off the Wii, PSP, MTV, or Cartoon Network and take them for a walk, read them a Bible story, or tell them YOUR story. Cut off the cell phone, turn off your facebook, close the laptop, ignore the to do list, and give them all your attention. Then... Make a habit of it. This also works with significant others and friendships.

House of Hope is such a great organization. It is a residential home for troubled teens. Their mission is to restore the FAMILY not just heal the teen. This organization understands that "the apple doesn't fall far from the tree". Teens and their parents undergo counseling and attend church while the teen is enrolled. The teens attend Hope Academy, which is at the House of Hope facility. There are many Houses of Hope scattered all across the country. The National House of Hope is in Orlando, FL. It was founded by Sarah Trollinger, who has written several books on parenting. All of the teens that graduate from the program leave knowing Christ. In a hurting world, House of Hope is beacon of light shining to the families being tossed on the stormy seas.

House of Hope Mississippi was founded by my mom, Kasha Cox. She's been a great influence to me growing up. I can only hope that I don't fall far from the tree.

www.houseofhopems.org
www.nationalhouseofhope.org
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House of Hope is a faith ministry relying solely on support from generous individuals and organizations with a heart for hurting teens. House of Hope accepts no federal, state or local government aid. No one is ever turned away because of a lack of financial ability.